Orissa Assembly stalled for the fifth day

Bhubaneswar, Nov 23 (UNI) Insisting upon a discussion under rule 113(B) on the police action on farmers of Western Orissa,a determined Opposition stalled the business of the House for the fifth day today.

Like previous days, the Opposition created a furore as the House assembled for the day to take up the Question Hour.

Holding anti-government banners and placards,the Opposition, led by Congress members, trooped into the well and started shouting slogans forcing Speaker Maheswar Mohanty to adjourn the House till 1500 hours just 13 minutes after it met for the day.

Reiterating their demand for a discussion, they tried to disrupt the Question Hour.But the Speaker, ignoring the din, went ahead with the Question Hour.

Amidst the din the Question Hour continued with Health Minister D Majhi answering the first question.The agitated Opposition,became more vociferous and demonstrated before the podium to stall the business.

Pandemonium inside the well continued for some time but when Commerce and Transport Minister Jayanarayan Mishra rose to reply a question, T P Bahinipati(Congress) stood on the reporters' table and started raising slogans.

His party colleague Ajayanti Pradhan rushed to the podium followed by Mr.Bahinipati who snatched the calling bell from the Speaker defying the watch and ward staff.

Finding it difficult to run the business of the House,the Speaker adjourned it at 1043 hours till 1500 hours.

The stalemate continued as the Opposition and the treasury bench members failed to reach a consensus on the debate over the modalities of the Opposition sponsored motion.

While the Opposition had been demanding a discussion on the police action on farmers at Burla under Rule 113(b) having provision for voting after discussions, the treasury bench members had been insisting on a debate under rule 113(C).

UNI